Real "love interest killed by the Joker after two issues" vibes.

You don't need to spend any money. The crafting times will be initially shocking, but you will be crafting so much equipment that you'll always have something coming out of the foundry. Take things at your own pace. When in doubt, complete junctions and play main quests.

Warframe is a super slow burn, introducing fragmentary setting elements almost organically. By the time the story quests pick up speed, you have an impressive grasp of what matters in the world. @endyd20.bsky.social is doing a great first-playthrough YouTube series that highlights the approach.